His strength was at an end.

For the first time in his life he had to give up, and with a sort of despairing self-possession he tried to understand the cause of the defeat.

He did not ascribe it to that absurd dead man.
The hesitating shadow of Luiz approached him unnoticed till it spoke timidly.

Renouard started.
"Eh?
What?
Dinner waiting?
You must say I beg to be excused.

I can't come.